Our Links

Links to Occupational Therapy Associations 

World Federation of Occupational Therapists - Founded in 1952, the W.F.O.T. is the key international representative for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy around the world and the official international organisation for the promotion of O.T. 

Council of Occupational Therapists European Community - Set up in 1986, the Council is made up of delegates from European national associations of occupational therapists and aims to develop, harmonise and improve standards of professional practice and education, as well as to advance the theory of occupational therapy throughout Europe. 

The American Occupational Therapy Association - The A.O.T.A.  is the nationally recognized professional association of approximately 35,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students of occupational therapy. Practitioners work with people experiencing health problems such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, cancer, congenital conditions, developmental problems, and mental illness. Occupational therapy helps people regain, develop, and build skills that are essential for independent functioning, health, and well-being.

Australian Association of Occupational Therapists - OT AUSTRALIA is the peak professional body representing the interests of Occupational Therapists across the country. It strives to ensure that members consistently receive quality, responsive services that add significant value to their careers. The Association also aims to support, promote and represent the profession of occupational therapy as a key element of the allied health sector in Australia. OT AUSTRALIA National comprises all states and territories (Member Associations) and has a membership of some 5000 individual occupational therapists nationally.

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - The C.A.O.T. provides services, products, events and networking opportunities to assist occupational therapists achieve excellence in their professional practice. In addition C.A.O.T. provides national leadership to actively develop and promote the client-centred profession of occupational therapy in Canada and internationally.

Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists - S.A.O.T. is an association that promote O.T. in Singapore. It aims to ensure that OT is recognised as an invaluable service towards optimising performance and well being. The association was set up in 1975.

Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland - A.O.T.I. is the only organisation that tries to promote the profession in Ireland. Through the voluntary effort of its members it promotes our services to the government, responds to government papers, assists the government with the validation of qualifications and, in short, gives us a professional presence.

British Association of Occupational Therapists/ College of Occupational Therapists - This site aims to provide information about the profession, principally to those who may be interested in occupational therapy as a career or who wish to find out how to access occupational therapy services.

Colegio De Terapeutas Ocupacionales De Chile A.G. 

Associazione Italiana Dei Terapisti Occupazionali - This is the official website of the O.T. association of Italy. 

All India Occupational Therapists Association - The association was set up in 1952 and serves as a platform for O.T. profession in India. 

Occupational Therapy  International Outreach Network - A grass roots initiative to promote outreach to areas of need by forming partnerships using the internet.

European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education - ENOTHE is a thematic network, which has been funded by the European Commission, Socrates / Erasmus programme: Thematic Network Projects since 1997. The main aim of a thematic network is to enhance quality and define and develop a European dimension within a given academic discipline, or other issues of common interest, through co-operation between university faculties or departments, academic and/or professional associations, employers and client-organisations. 

Professional Bodies

Council for the Professions Complimentary to Medicine (Malta) - To safeguard the health and well-being of the public using the services of the professions it regulates, by setting and maintaining standards of professional training, performance and conduct.

U.K. Health Professionals Council - We are a regulator and our job is to protect the health and well-being of people who use the services of the health professionals registered with us. At the moment, we register members of 13 professions. We only register people who meet our standards for their professional skills, behaviour and health.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency - We enhance and safeguard the health of the public by ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe (an Executive Agency of the Department of Health U.K.)

Search Engines

Occupational Therapy Seeker - OT seeker is a database that contains abstracts of systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials relevant to occupational therapy. Trials have been critically appraised and rated to assist you to evaluate their validity and interpretability. These ratings will help you to judge the quality and usefulness of trials for informing clinical interventions. In one database, OT seeker provides you with fast and easy access to trials from a wide range of sources.

Social Exclusion Unit - The work of the Social Exclusion Unit includes specific projects to tackle specific issues and wide-ranging programmes to assess past policy and identify future trends (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister U.K.)

Online Journals 

The Malta Medical Journal  - The Malta Medical Journal is the official journal of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Malta. The Journal is a multidisciplinary medical journal that aims to publish high-quality papers written in English, dealing with all aspects of medicine. 

The Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy - This journal is published three times yearly (April, August & December). The Journal publishes original scientific research papers , case reports, preliminary articles and information on all aspects of occupational Therapy. It welcomes articles from all over the world.

The Asian Journal of Occupational Therapy - This journal is usually published every year and contains research articles from Asian Occupational Therapists. 

Journal of Ethics in Mental Health - The journal is intended to serve academics, health practitioners, students, family members, caregivers, consumers, and policy makers. We wish it to be a forum for healthy academic and policy debate, but further hope that by design and editorial policy we can produce a tool that is both practical and helpful for frontline workers.

Journal of Maltese Education Research - This fully refereed, electronic journal provides established and emerging scholars and practitioners with a space for critical and empirical analysis of issues central to Maltese education policy, curriculum reform and pedagogy. JMER should be of interest to scholars and practitioners working in: pre-school education; adult and continuing education; vocational training; popular education; popular culture; education for leisure; museum education; media education; distance learning; open learning; education and the Maltese diaspora; education administration and management; education planning; and history of education.

U.K. Health Services Journal - UK's leading health management and policy magazine. 

Journal of Neurology - The Journal of Neurology is an international journal which officially represents the European Neurological Society and provides a source for publishing original communications on clinical neurology and related basic research.

Disability view online: the website where ability counts - This site aims to be the best resource for anyone looking for useful information on disability in the U.K. Through this site you will be able to access information and features on holidays; sports and the local facilities in cities across the U.K., taken from the bimonthly Disability View Magazine while our regularly updated "What's Happening" section will help you plan your diary over the next few months - listing exhibitions, fun days and other events of potential interest to disabled people.

Links to European Associations/ Organisations

The Malta Resuscitation Council - The MR.C. objectives are to preserve life by improving standards of resuscitations in Malta and to co-ordinate the activities of various organisations involved in resuscitation and emergency medical care.

The European Parkinson's Disease Association - The E.P.D.A. is a non-political, non-religious, and non-profit making organisation concerned with the health and welfare of people living with Parkinson's disease and their families. The E.P.D.A. has provided an important forum to work in partnership and collaboration with European organisations, both patient and neurological, the European Commission, the WHO, the World Federation of Neurology, and the pharmaceutical industry. 

European Alliance of Neuromuscular Disorders Associations - Founded in 1971, The E.A.M.D.A. is the European Umbrella of Person's with Neuromuscular Disorders. 

European Disability Forum - European organisation representing more than 50 million disabled people in Europe. Its mission is to ensure disabled citizens' full access to fundamental and human rights through their active involvement in policy development and implementation in the European Union.

European Neurological Society - Professional Association of European Neurologists. 

Disability Rights Commission - A society where all disabled people can participate fully as equal citizens. 

International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus - The International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) is the world-wide umbrella organisation (INGO) for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus organisations. 

European Organisation for Rare Diseases - Eurordis is an alliance of patient associations dedicated to improving the quality of life of all people living with rare diseases in Europe.

Oxfam GB - is a non-governmental organisation which divides its international programme into regions. 

RADAR: The Disability Network - RADAR is a national network of disability organisations and disabled people.  We represent our members by fast-tracking your opinions and concerns to policy-makers and legislators in Westminster and Whitehall, and launching our own campaigns to promote equality for all disabled people. Formed in 1977 as the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation, RADAR is a national organisation run by and working for disabled people.  We have a membership of about 600 disability organisations and individuals.

Uniting the world against AIDS: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS - UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, brings together the efforts and resources of ten UN system organizations to the global AIDS response. Cosponsors include UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank. Based in Geneva, the UNAIDS secretariat works on the ground in more than 75 countries world wide.

Links to Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Associations and related websites

Multidisciplinary Association of SCI Professionals (MASCIP) - The Association's prime objective is to provide a national professional forum to promote standards in clinical practice, foster research and encourage the development of health and social care services for people with SCI. MASCIP exists to enable all professions and grades of staff associated with the care and welfare of people with Spinal Cord injuries, both within and outside of SCI Centres, to articulate professional issues and concerns. 

SpinalNet: Spinal Cord Injury healthcare information in one catch - This is an info channel developed specifically for people with a SCI their relatives and carers. SpinalNet's vision is to provide you with easily accessible and up to date info about:  healthcare, research, what is SCI, living with spinal cord injury, finance and benefits, products. SpinalNet also provides chat and discussion forums and gives you the opportunity to 'Ask the Expert', put forward your unanswered questions to a panel of your peers or healthcare professionals.

Spinal Injury Association (U.K.) - We are the national organisation of spinal cord injured people. We represent all their interests regardless of how the impairment occurred, whether or not it has resulted in full or partial paralysis. We support all those who are affected by SCI, including the family and friends of the disabled person. Our motto 'because life needn't stop when you're paralysed' signifies the strong emphasis we place on leading a full and independent life after injury. The sharing of information and experience is at the heart of our commitment to helping each individual achieve his or her potential after injury.

United Spinal Association: Expanding Opportunities for people with Spinal Cord Disabilities - United Spinal Association is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of all individuals with SCI and disorders by ensuring quality health care; promoting research; advocating for civil rights and independence; educating the public and enlisting its help and expanding opportunities for all paralyzed Americans

The Back-Up Trust: A National Charity Supporting People Paralysed through SCI - Back-Up is a national charity dedicated to providing opportunities for spinally injured and abled bodied individuals to experience the buzz of outdoor activities together and so increase self belief, independence and motivation. We organise a varied programme of activity courses throughout the year, which integrates SCI participants and able-bodied volunteers. These act as a catalyst which can totally change someone's attitude to disability and enable them to focus on how much is possible. Whether you are spinally injured yourself, have other experience of spinal cord injury or are completely new to all this, we hope you will get involved. 

Stroke Links

The U.K. Stroke Association - The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation, and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. The Stroke Association produces a number of publications including patient leaflets, Stroke News and information for health professionals.

Disability, Mobility & Driving 

The Association for Drivers Rehabilitation Specialists - A.D.E.D., a nonprofit association, is the primary professional organization in this specialized area, and stands ready to meet the professional needs of its members through educational conferences and research support as well as encouraging equipment development to maximize the transportation options for persons with disabilities.

Personal Mobility Solutions: Understanding the importance of independence - We are able to source and co-ordinate the adaptation and modification of vehicles and accessories so it really does meet the need. Our philosophy is based on the belief that ‘if it is possible, we will find the most cost effective way of doing it.’

Mobility and General Information Centre: Launched in 2000 by Ford, MAGIC is the Mobility and General Information Centre, run by a team of highly-trained staff who provide free information on motoring and mobility issues for disabled and elderly people, parents, carers and medical professionals.

Gowrings Mobility: UK's Leading manufacturer and supplier of wheelchair passenger vehicles and mobility products - Established in the 1960s, Gowrings Mobility was a pioneer in what has now become a larger and more competitive business. We first invented the original ‘Chairman’ wheelchair passenger vehicle design based on the Austin Mini Countryman. We introduced a more sophisticated conversion with a cut, lowered floor and lowering suspension, which provided much easier wheelchair access. We were the first supplier of wheelchair passenger vehicles to Motability. Over the years, we have stood out for our innovative designs and high standards on quality. We also market a leading range of swivel seats; a successfully crash-tested power chair designed for travelling in cars; and innovative, flexible ramp kits.

Links to Assistive Technology & Environmental Control Devices

The Assessment and Communication Unit (A.C.T.U.) - ACTU is committed to improve the quality of life of persons with learning disabilities and/or complex communication difficulties by providing Access to Communication and Learning through the use of Assistive Technology and to ensure that ALL students are Active participants in the learning process.

U.S. Resources Directory: The Boulevard - A disability resource directory of products and services for the physically challenged, elderly, caregivers and health professionals. 

ABLEDATE: Your source for assistive technology information - ABLEDATA provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources. Although ABLEDATA does not sell any products, we can help you locate the companies that do.

Adaptive Environments: Human Centered Design  - Adaptive Environments is a 27 year old educational non-profit organization committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and abilities. Adaptive Environments' work balances expertise in legally required accessibility with promotion of best practices in human centered or universal design. Projects vary from local to international. All are characterized by collaboration and user participation.

Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) - Founded in 1969, registered as a charity in 1976, the CAE is widely acknowledged as the UK's leading authority on the practicalities of inclusion by design. CAE is an information provider and a forum for collaborative dialogue between providers and users on how the built environment can best be made or modified to provide equality of access for all. Its services include information, publications, membership, a journal, Access by Design, training and consultancy. 

Possum Control Ltd -  For over 40 years Possum has designed and supplied a range of products to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with special needs. They provide Environmental Control and Alternative and Augmentative Communication to comprehensive Service Support, PossAbility Services provide integrated solutions for the Possum Controls, Gewa UK and Possum AAC ranges as well as third party products such as door, curtain and window openers.

Disability and Traveling 

Newmobility.com - This is the leading online resource for Disability Culture and Lifestyle. Newmobility.com is a tremendous research and communication tool for anyone with an interest in disability issues.

Good Access Guide - The all new Good Access Guide, the UK's leading directory of services for disabled people, seniors, and anyone whose life is made easier by better access to goods, services and amenities. Through this unique online resource, residents and visitors of all abilities can now discover the very best in accessible and inclusive living, leisure and mobility in the UK and Ireland.

Accessible Travel & Leisure: Helping the less mobile access the world - Our aim is to take care of ALL your holiday arrangements and special requirements - from door to door. We know how difficult organising holidays can be when wheelchair access and special needs are critical, which is why we make the process of booking your holiday as simple and enjoyable as possible. In fact, your most difficult task will be to decide just which one to choose.

DisabilityGear.com - This is a discussion online forum for disabled persons 

Accessible Cruises: Cotsworld Cruise Club - Cotswold Cruise Club is an independent cruise specialist priding itself on satisfying the individual needs and desires of our clients – whatever they might be. Based on the simple concepts of personal attention, integrity and value, our philosophy remains unashamedly ‘old-fashioned'. We firmly believe that those who seek a quality cruising experience on the world's finest ships deserve the very best service. This forms the cornerstone of our commitment to excellence, and we cordially invite you to experience the Cotswold Cruise Club difference.

Links to Dementia Organisations and related websites

The Malta Dementia Society - The Malta Dementia Society is a non-governmental and a not-for-profit organisation for persons with dementia, their carers, families and friends. The society also brings together healthcare professionals and interested persons to increase the knowledge of dementia and its care.

ASTRID - A social and technological response to meeting the needs of individuals with dementia and their carers (online book) 

The Dementia Services Development Centre - The Dementia Services Development Centre, at the University of Stirling, exists to extend and improve services for people with dementia and their carers. The centre was established in 1989 through the Dementia Services Development Trust and the University to provide extensive information about dementia services and is involved in developing and disseminating research and good practice about services for people with dementia. The centre, based in the Iris Murdoch Building which is an exemplar of dementia-friendly design, offers organisations access to consultancy, training and specialist services

Dementia Voice: The dementia services development centre for the Southwest - Dementia Voice is the Dementia Services Development Centre D.S.D.C. for South West England, and is part of a national network of D.S.D.C. across the UK. We work with local authorities, health services, the independent sector and higher education to improve services and care for people with dementia. Dementia Voice offers a range of services to aid service development and promote best practice.

Links to Parkinson's Disease Websites 

American Parkinson Disease Association Inc - The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. was founded in 1961 to “ease the burden and find the cure” for Parkinson’s disease.  Headquartered in Staten Island, New York, the organization focuses its energies on research, patient services, education and raising public awareness about the disease.  The APDA Scientific Advisory Board annually reviews grant applications and recommends funding for research which shows promise for new breakthroughs or improved treatments. The APDA national office also coordinates the efforts of chapters and information and referral centers across the nation.  Additionally, over 2.5 million dollars are budgeted to support patient services. 

Young Parkinson's Website: Information and Referral Center - Our mission is to provide you with accurate information and supportive resources to help you lead your life as fully as possible. We understand that whether you are newly diagnosed or if you have been living with the disease for years, having Parkinson's disease at a young age creates very particular issues, questions and concerns, such as; relationship issues with spouses, parents, children; accurate and age-specific medical information from the experts; common psychological/emotional issues; career & financial planning for the long term; accurate and constructive news on current medical research and contact with other young people with PD

Research & Charity Centres

Spinal Research - Spinal Research is a registered charity based in Surrey in the U.K. Since we were founded in 1980, we have developed into one of the leading international charitable organisations in the field of spinal cord injury research. Our pioneering research relies on dynamic fundraising and the help of our tireless supporters. We have funded over 120 research projects which have achieved a number of ground breaking changes in the field. 

Ricability: An Independent Research Charity - Ricability is the trading name of the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs (RICA). We are a national research charity dedicated to providing independent information of value to disabled and older consumers. Under our trading name of Ricability, we research and publish consumer reports. They are all based on rigorous research and provide practical information needed by disabled and older consumers. As the Research Institute for Consumer Affairs we also work with manufacturers, service providers, regulators and policy makers to improve products and services. Our aim is to increase their awareness of the needs of disabled and older consumers through specialist research. 

The Centre for Universal Design - Established in 1989, The Center for Universal Design is a national research, information, and technical assistance center that evaluates, develops, and promotes universal design in housing, public and commercial facilities, and related products. 

Foundation for Assistive Technology - FAST works with the Assistive Technology (AT) community to promote useful research and development for disabled and older people. Our website offers information on AT research projects, organisations, jobs, publications, courses and events within the UK . We produce an Annual Parliamentary report of current AT research. FAST also acts as the secretariat for the AT Forum.

The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research - NIDRR provides leadership and support for a comprehensive program of research related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. All of our programmatic efforts are aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities from birth through adulthood.

The Institute for Rehabilitation Research and Development - The IRRD at The Rehabilitation Centre (Ottawa) was created to foster research, development, and networking activities with a focus on the clinical and practical application of rehabilitation services. Local IRRD objectives include coordinating research efforts at The Rehabilitation Centre and coordinating research-based conferences, seminars, and public lectures. Nationally, the IRRD promotes research networking, encourages information exchange, facilitates multi-centred research studies, and provides research consultation and project management. Internationally, the IRRD assists developing countries in the formation and growth of rehabilitation services through research and evaluation activities, provides research consultation and project management expertise, coordinates professional exchanges, and promotes the exchange of information related to research, education, and training.

Agents for purchasing of equipment, technical aides etc   

ZYGO Industries, Inc - Here you can find information on various products, such as communication devices, computer products, assistive technology, books etc. 

Continence Products and Solutions - Manfred Sauer UK Branch (who had tetraplegia in 1963) is a Company owned and run by continence product users so we speak the same language and understand your needs. 

Youreable.com: Information, products and services for disabled people - Apart from the shopping section (which is very diverse), this site offers a wide range of other information in relation to disabled people and daily life. This site contains information such as Life (money, motoring, work travelling, health), jobs, important news and online forum/ discussion. 

DEMAND: Design & Manufacture for Disability - DEMAND'S work is based on a brilliant idea. Yet, like so many brilliant ideas, it is in fact, very simple. It is to bring together medical professionals and the DEMAND designers and craftsmen to create special furniture and equipment for children and adults with serious disabilities, often when no other solution exists. “DEMAND exists to conduct and encourage the design and manufacture of equipment that both improves the quality of life and provides opportunities for current and future generations of disabled people irrespective of their ability to pay.”

Integrating Community Equipment Services: Part of the care services improvement partnership - This ‘Getting Started’ pack intends to provide a useful resource for commissioners, managers and practitioners in a wide range of statutory and voluntary sector organisations to understand the rationale behind the provision of communication aids and provide further guidance to assist them in developing appropriate services locally. The pack includes a range of external resources and references to make communication aid provision a reality in your organisation.

Assist U.K.: Practical Solutions for Independence - Assist U.K. is the National network for advice on independent living equipment. Currently there are over 50 member Centres. It is the only organisation in the U.K. to connect clients, manufacturers, regulators and professionals. Assist UK leads a UK wide network of locally-situated Disabled Living Centres. Each centre includes a permanent exhibition of products and equipment that provide people with opportunities to see and try products and equipment and get information and advice from professional staff about what might suit them best. There are over 325 advisors throughout the network who respond to an average ¼ million enquiries made each year. Disabled Living Centres also provide a valuable source of information relating to access, design and equipment for daily living. This can be especially useful to carers, older people and healthcare workers, students and manufacturers.

Royal National Institutes for the deaf and blind 

Royal National Institute for the Deaf -  RNID is the largest charity working to change the world for the UK’s 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people. We do this with the help of our members, by campaigning and lobbying, raising awareness of deafness and hearing loss, providing services and through social, medical and technical research.

Royal National Institute for the Blind: Helping you live with sight loss - We are UK’s leading charity offering information, support and advice to over two million people with sight problems. Our pioneering work helps anyone with a sight problem – not just with braille, Talking Books and computer training, but with imaginative and practical solutions to everyday challenges. We fight for equal rights for people with sight problems. We fund pioneering research into preventing and treating eye disease. Our projects such as Talk and Support and Parents’ Place make a difference to people’s lives.

Dogs for the disabled persons - Pets at Home

Local Groups/ NGOs

National Commission Persons with Disability  - The Commission is part of the portfolio governed by the Ministry of the Family and Social Solidarity, and works in collaboration with non government organisations in Malta, co-ordinating efforts and voicing the Maltese government policies on disability matters. On this website one can find information about the Commission, its responsibilities, activities and related services.

Muscular Dystrophy Group of Malta - The Muscular Dystrophy Group of Malta was set up in 1980 by a group of parents of children with various forms of muscular dystrophies with the primary aim of getting together to share experiences.

Eden Foundation - The Eden Foundation is a non-government organisation established in 1992 which works in partnership with people with developmental disabilities in order to help them achieve full inclusion to the best of their abilities by gaining access to mainstream education, employment and leisure activities, leading to an independent life. The Eden Foundation is an educational and therapeutic centre for children, young adults and their families.

Links to Schools/ Universities

University of Malta - This is the official website of the University of Malta. This website offers information on the University, Faculties and Institutes, information about courses, library, its support services and resources, etc. 

MCAST: Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology - Its mission is " to provide universally accessible vocational and professional education and training with an international dimension, responsive to the needs of the individual and the economy. " On this website one can find information on the MCAST Institutes, courses, admission, support services, library information and news.

EuroEducation.net: The European Education Directory - EuroEducation is the guide for international students aiming to study in Europe. The EuroEducation Course Search is constantly updated to include the latest information available directly from the universities and colleges presented. We also offer assistance on study abroad by featuring a fine selection of schools, colleges and universities in the USA and Canada with information on their undergraduate and graduate programs.